Superyacht Cup Palma: More than just three winners at the Superyacht Festival

The last day was the best. Not only the three class winners of the 23rd Superyacht Cup felt that way. Once again, the impressive dream yachts put on a thrilling show in the bay of Palma against the backdrop of the city and the Mallorcan mountains.

While the 33-metre "Win Win" from Baltic Yachts, skippered by Javier Jaudenes, secured victory in the largest Class A with its third race win in a row ahead of "Nilaya" and "Open Season", it remained exciting in Class B right to the end, as there was a different winner each time in the three races. In the end, however, the crew of helmsman and America's Cup winner Peter Holmberg on the J-Class yacht "Topaz" came out on top with a one-point lead over perennial rival and defending champion "Velsheda" (J-Class), whose crew in turn relegated lightweight "Missy" to third place by one point.

"Topaz" captain Rom Loopik said: "We have worked really hard for this and it has paid off." A number of well-known German sailors are also on board "Topaz": In addition to project manager Jens Cornelsen, these include race crew manager, circumnavigator and two-time America's Cup participant Tim Kröger, Match Race Germany organiser Eberhard Magg, who helped launch the first German America's Cup participation in 2007, Thomas Zankel, Holger Lehning, Olympic Soling silver medallist Gunnar Bahr, Jan Terveer and North Sails Bodensee representative Eckhard Kaller. In Class C, the 30 metre yawl "Bequia" won ahead of "Huckleberry" and "Kealoha".

As proud as the owners and crews were of their achievements, everyone agreed that it was above all the peaceful competition in the best sailing conditions on some of the most extraordinary and beautiful yachts in the sailing world that made this Superyacht Cup a festival. This was confirmed not only by "Tulip" co-owner Alicia van Vissingen, whose modern classic sailed to fifth place in Class B: "We know that we won't take first or second place, but that's not important because we're enjoying this so much! And that's what it's all about." The pictures taken by the photographers not only bear witness to this joy, but also to consummate boatbuilding and unique yachts.

Here to see the results.